6 - Obstacles to the Establishment of the NIEO in the Middle East and North Africa

Abstract

This chapter describes the obstacles to the establishment of the New International Economic Order (NIEO) in the Middle East (ME) and North Africa (NA). The creation of suitable indigenous technology also faces many problems. Shortage of specially-trained personnel and the brain drain—because of unfavorable working and living conditions, lack of the necessary infrastructure, insufficient attention to scientific research, and political repression—are some of the most serious obstacles for the development of indigenous technology. The nature of the political and economic relationship between ME/NA states and the advanced countries, and the structure of internal socio-political ties among the social classes of the former undoubtedly imposes one of the most profound and lasting influences on the development process. Generally speaking, paternalism, bureaucratism, the widening gap among the social classes, centralized power structures, and lack of political participation are among the most important political obstacles to cooperation. The chapter describes cultural, employment and income distribution, education, housing, public health, and social justice and welfare obstacles to the establishment of the NIEO in ME and NA.